Transfer Portal Options for Arizona Wildcats

When you look ahead at next season, there is a hole in the rotation left behind from Taylor McQuillin graduating.

Yes, Arizona still has its number two pitcher Alyssa Denham who posted an ERA of 1.94. Although having her back is huge for the rotation, you need more than one pitcher in today’s era of softball.

Arizona does have three other pitchers coming back, none of those three pitched more than 30 innings. The rest of the pitching staff is a mystery at this point.

Alyssa Denham in the WCWS

If Arizona does decide to look around in the portal there are plenty of options to strengthen the rotation. Here is a list of the top three pitchers out on the transfer market.

Option A: By far the best option out on the market is former Oklahoma pitcher Mariah Lopez. While at Oklahoma she proved to be a dominating force as the Sooner number two pitcher with a career ERA of 1.61 and going 51-2 in the circle. Last season was her career best with an ERA of 1.25 and a record of 19-1.

Option B: It’s a close call for the second spot but Chardonnay Harris gets the edge. Her ERA last season was a little high at 2.91 compared to the other options. What makes her an interesting option is that she would have two years of eligibility wherever she goes.

Option C: Carrie Eberle from Virginia Tech was rock solid for the Hokies finishing the season with an ERA of 1.84 with a record of 25-6. However, the ACC outside of Florida State isn’t a strong conference. So, would her stats be on par if she transferred to a conference like the Pac-12? That’s the question surrounding Eberle as an option for Arizona.

Now, Arizona could just stay with what they have and let coach Taryne Mowatt develop the young pitchers. She has already proven that she has the ability to develop players like McQuillin, who saw her ERA reach a career best of 1.52. Needless to say, there are a ton of different ways Arizona could go with this off-season. All we can do is wait and see what plays out.